Sunderland will follow up their interest in Lazio defender Modibo Diakite now they are safe, according to reports in Italy, writes JAMES HUNTER.

The French centre-back has been linked with a switch to Wearside over the last fortnight as Paolo Di Canio prepares to revamp his squad.

Diakite is out of contract at the end of the season and the 26-year-old would be available on a Bosman free transfer.

Italian sides Napoli and Juventus are believed to have shown interest, along with several Russian clubs.

However, Sunderland are understood to head the queue for his signature.

Di Canio has already indicated he wants to bring in half a dozen new players before next season.

Bolstering the centre of his defence will be one of his priorities, with Titus Bramble and Matt Kilgallon both expected to leave when their deals run out next month and on-loan Kader Mangane returning to his parent club Al-Hilal.

There are also doubts over the fitness of stopper Wes Brown.

Sunderland are close to sealing a Bosman move for another French centre-back Valentin Roberge, who plays for Portuguese side Maritimo.

The Black Cats have also been linked with a move for 23-year-old Portuguese winger Diogo Viana, who currently plays for FC Penafiel.

Conference side Grimsby Town are chasing young Sunderland winger Billy Knott.

The 20-year-old spent most of this season on loan in the Conference with Woking and recently signed a one-year extension to his contract with the Black Cats.